Valparai is an undiscovered hill station in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district that is known for its peace and tranquillity. It is located at an elevation of 1500 metres above sea level. As a result of the enticing and scenic landscapes that it offers, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the southern part of Western Ghats. This picture-perfect hill station is not only successful as a result of the booming tourist business but also as a result of its economy, which is driven in large part by coffee and tea plantations.
Before you go on to that, you must check the many routes that will get you to Valparai.
By air: The closest airports are located at Coimbatore (220 kilometres away), Kochi, and Madurai, respectively. All are easily accessible from the country’s several main cities.
By train: The closest train station is at Pollachi, which is located 64 kilometres away from Valparai. The next closest railway station is located in Coimbatore, which is around 100 kilometres distant.
By road: Road access is convenient in and around Valparai. Pollachi and Coimbatore both have bus services that frequently run (every half hour), and passengers may use them to go to Valparai.
9 places to visit in Valparai
Here is a rundown of the best Valparai tourist places.
Nallamudi Viewpoint
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An incredible lookout point known as Nallamudi Poonjolai can be discovered in Valparai, Tamilnadu. It is situated 15 kilometres away from the Valparai Bus Stand. Nallamudi Viewpoint, which is located in the middle of the tea plantations, provides breathtaking panoramas of Anamudi Peak, which is the tallest point in South India, as well as expansive tea gardens, verdant valleys, and splendid waterfalls that flow between the rocky slopes of the high mountains.
Tourists and nature-lovers alike flock to the sight because of its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. The Sholayar mountains and the raw Valparai may be seen after roughly a kilometre of walking through the Nallamudi Estate’s tea farm. You can’t help but feel that the hike is worth it when you see the beautiful green peaks and river valleys in the distance.
There is a lot of cloud cover at this location during September and February, making it an ideal location for capturing the scenery. Although it’s open 24 hours a day, the ideal time to go is between 1 and 3 p.m. on weekdays.
See also: Top 15 places to visit in Chennai and things to do
Karumalai Balaji Temple
One of the most well-known temples in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, is the Balaji Temple, which can be reached by travelling 10 kilometres from the Valparai Bus Stand. It is among the most attractive tourist attractions in Valparai, and it is also one of the most crowded. It is located inside the Karamalai Tea Estate.
Lord Balaji, who is sometimes referred to as Lord Venkateshwara, is the most iconic representation that is honoured at this location. Inside the sanctuary is a sculpture of Lord Balaji that is crafted entirely out of gold. It is a must-stop that must be made during vacations spent in the Valparai area.
Due to the fact that automobiles are not permitted beyond the entry, the next 500 metres are a steep upward incline. The location, which is characterised by picturesque hills and tea plantations, as well as the ambience of the surrounding area, makes it an excellent setting for deepening one’s faith in God. It is regarded as highly fortunate here to recite sacred writings, and doing so also brings about a sense of tranquillity. Inside the temple, taking pictures with a camera and using cell phones are both strictly forbidden.
Karumalai Annai Velankanni Church
Karumalai Anna Velankanni Church can be found at Valparai, Tamilnadu. The Valparai Bus Stand is located 8 kilometres away from the church. During your Valparai visit, you should make time to stop here since it is one of the most important sites in the Karamalai Tea Estate, where it is located. It is a must Valparai place to visit.
The church is linked with a large number of miraculous occurrences, and it was built in 2003. The dedication of the church is to Velankanni Matha. The church has beautiful architecture, and the atmosphere inside is really serene. A trip to this church, which is encircled on all sides by tea plantations and draped on all sides by luxuriant vegetation, is certain to be an unforgettable experience.
In addition, this location is a must-see sight in Valparai due to the surreal vistas of tea plantations that surround the church, as well as a waterfall known as Iraichal Parai Falls as well as a beautiful river that flows alongside the church.
On a daily basis, a number of individuals seek mental stillness and relaxation by going to this particular church. If you want to see the church at its busiest, you should go in September, when it celebrates its annual festival. This event brings in a large number of worshipers as well as tourists. On the eighth of September of each year, the event is organised with a great deal of fanfare and grandeur since it is regarded as a subject of considerable significance in the community.
Chinnakallar Falls
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Chinna Kallar Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that can be seen in Chinna Kallar town, which is located close to Valparai in the state of Tamilnadu. The distance from the Valparai Bus Stand to the waterfall is 14 kilometres. The falls are surrounded on all sides by dense trees and winding, narrow roads. After Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, the region where this waterfall is situated receives the third-highest amount of rainfall in all of India.
A suspension bridge has been built above the waterfall, and it provides visitors with captivating panoramas of the thundering waterfalls set among the lush vegetation. Chinnakallar is always enveloped in clouds and mist, the primary reason for which is the significant amount of precipitation that it gets on a yearly basis. Additionally, the location has been featured in a number of Tamil movies, including Suryavamsam.
The beautiful Chinnakallar Falls are reachable by an exciting 600-metre hike via a small trail of tough bushes. Because it is the natural home of wild elephants, which you could have to confront on your route to the waterfalls, it can also be rather hazardous at times. If you go there, you should be prepared for this possibility. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you choose an appropriate time to explore the location while also being accompanied by a local guide.
Chinnakallar is at its most accessible after the rainy season, which runs from November through May. During this time, there is less precipitation in the region, so you will have an easier time sticking to your itinerary and making the most of your visit to the waterfalls. Because there are no stores in the area, it is highly recommended that you bring sufficient supplies of both food and drink with you.
Koozhangal River View
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In Valparai, a riverbank viewpoint known as the Koozhangal River View may be found at a distance of around 2.5 kilometres from the Valparai Bus Stand. It is among the most frequented areas for picnics in Valparai. The area is well-known for its river, which moves at a leisurely pace, and the shallow water, famed for the pebble stone bottoms among the green, grassy surroundings, is a major draw for visitors.
This is an excellent location for families with children because the river is low enough for recreation. This is situated in the middle of a tea plantation, which offers the opportunity to shoot some stunning photographs.
Aliyar Dam
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An earthen dam known as Aliyar Dam may be found near the area of Aliyar in Tamil Nadu. This location is around 24 kilometres from Pollachi and about 43 kilometres from Valparai. It is among the most well-known dams in the Tamil Nadu area and ranks high on the list of recommended destinations in Valparai. The Aliyar Dam, which spans the Aliyar River, was built between 1959 and 1969 for irrigation reasons.
The dam may be found in the Anaimalai Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats. These hills are near the slopes of Valparai. It’s a visual treat to see the Anamalai range surrounding the reservoir, as well as the coconut orchards seen from the dam’s summit. The dam’s reservoirs are perfect for water sports like boating. Visit the dam on route to Valparai from Pollachi, or after seeing Monkey Falls on the way back from Valparai. Both options are equally worthwhile.
Monkey Falls
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A natural waterfall known as Monkey Falls can be found in the Coimbatore region of Tamil Nadu. The waterfall is located 5 kilometres away from Aliyar Dam, and 38 kilometres from the Valparai Bus Stand. It has a height of around 60 feet and drops into a pool below. This lovely waterfall, which is encircled by evergreen trees on three sides and rugged cliffs on the fourth, ties the whole picture together. It is regarded as one of the most interesting destinations in all of Pollachi.
Even while it might be nice to swim in the waterfalls, doing so during the monsoons, when the flow of water is at its highest, can be risky. The location, which is known for its many monkeys, lives up to its name. Therefore, one has to exercise extreme caution while looking after one’s possessions.
It is necessary to get prior authorisation from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department fourteen days prior to the scheduled date of the hike. The administrative offices are located in Pollachi, and the process of acquiring permission is not too burdensome.
Between the months of October and March is when you should go to the falls if you want the greatest experience. This location is frequented by tens of thousands of vacationers over the course of a year and is at its busiest on the weekend. From Pollachi, one may get there quickly and simply via bus. This is the stopover for every bus travelling between Pollachi and Valparai.
Sholayar Dam
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Sholayar Dam is located on the route that leads from Valparai to Athirapally. It is located 23 kilometres away from Valparai and 55 kilometres away from Athirapally. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that can be found in the area close to Athirapally Waterfall.
Within the context of the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project, the dam creates a significant reservoir. The area around the dam is home to a wealth of spectacular natural features. Because the reservoir is dry beyond December, going there at any other time is a pointless exercise unless it is during the monsoon season.
Hornbill Viewpoint
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Hornbill Point is a breathtaking lookout point that can be found in Valparai, Tamil Nadu. It is situated 10 kilometres away from Monkey Falls and twenty-eight kilometres away from Valparai. It is among the beautiful tourist locations to visit in Valparai. The Attakatti Checkpost can be found just across the street from this location.
Many visitors and others who have a passion for nature are drawn to the viewpoint because of its breathtaking panorama and its serene atmosphere. It is the ideal setting for unwinding and being one with nature while taking in some peaceful moments here and there.
From the Attakatti Checkpost, travellers will need to walk a distance of 500 metres to reach this viewpoint. You get the impression that the hike was well worth it as you take in the expansive panorama of verdant woods. On the walk to the viewpoint, visitors may get a glimpse of the hornbills. The vantage point is shrouded in cloud cover from September through February, making it an ideal location for taking photographs and appreciating the scenery.
FAQs
How long should you spend in Valparai?
To get the most out of Valparai and everything that it has to offer, you should plan to spend at least two nights and three days there. During this time, you will have the opportunity to go on a path through a tea plantation, spend some time at the stunning waterfalls and dams, go to the adjacent Wildlife Sanctuary, go shopping, and sample the food of the area.
Is it worthwhile to go to Valparai?
If you like visiting hill stations with scenic landscapes like tea plantations, cascades, and dams, then Valparai is a must-see. South India's Valparai is a fantastic place to go on a road trip if you like passing through scenic areas like tea plantations, dense woods, and towering mountains.
During what season would you recommend going to Valparai?
Valparai's climate is mild and delightful throughout the year. However, the period of December and January is its busiest for tourism. During these months, the high temperature seldom exceeds 25 degrees, making outdoor activities like strolling around town a delight.
What are the rail options for getting to Valparai?
Pollachi is home to the train station that is most convenient to reach Valparai from. The next stop will be at the Coimbatore intersection. On the line between Coimbatore and Pollachi, Pollachi is serviced by a number of its own local trains. They can be used to go to Pollachi, and once there, one may use a road to get to Valparai from there.
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